The taxi screeched to stop from some distance to the main area of emergency. Hawoon shoved some handful of bills to the driver and raced to the area, not even waiting for a change.
At a distance, red and blue lights were flashing the street. Police cars barricaded the road, officers tensed and alerted. Beside them were, the elite mages of second and third division stood, cloaks fluttering under the weight of residual mana.
Of course, they are here.
Hawoon searching for the familiar face, was greeted by the police officers.
"Commander, you're here, finally." Hawoon turned to meet the police officer. The man was in the police uniform. "It's a disaster, here"
"Wha-" Hawoon was about to ask when the police officer was called and left.
Hawoon pressed his lips. The only thing in his mind was Hajun.
And there, standing in the centre was Lee Hyeseung, second in command of the Royal Army.
Hawoon's steps were sharp and reckless, as he hurried over to Hyeseung.
Hyeseung's gaze lifted, eyes were wide with terror, catching his attention.
"What's the con-" Hawoon couldn't complete his sentence, eyes snapping at the scene ahead. The abandoned garage that had once stood there was nothing but ruin now, walls blown apart, steel beams twisted like broken bones. The air still vibrated faintly, though the oppressive surge of mana had already thinned into silence.
"What in the hell happened here?" His voice was low, trembling between fury and dread.
Hyeseung exhaled, grim. "Beats me. We just arrived. The detectors spiked, third degree mana rampage, clear as day. But then-" He pointed at the flickering mana scanners. "It dropped. Just like that. Vanished."
"What?" Hawoon's eyes widened. "You told me it was a third-degree rampage. How the fuck does it just… settle down?"
"That's why we're confused. With this type of mana rampage, the district should be completely ruined. But…" Hyeseung's jaw tightened. "By the time we got here, it was gone."
Hawoon stared at him, brows knitted. This was no ordinary fluctuation. This was something else. "It's the first time in my life, I had saw something like this."
Hawoon nodded. This type of fluctuation is definitely not something to be taken lightly. "Whoever behind this mana rampage, either they have a huge control over their mana, or someone powerful stopped it."
"Let just hope it's later one. Otherwise…"
"Yeah…" Hawoon stared at the building. His first thought was Hajun.
"Did anyone check inside?" Hawoon demanded. "What about Hajun?"
"Not yet. The mages are preparing. We have to be careful-"
"Hey! Someone's coming out!" a police officer shouted, cutting him off. The air stiffened as tension spread in the air. Every gun, every staff turned toward ruined building.
Hawoon stepped forward, his heart pounding in his ears. Behind the rubbles, a figure of a boy appeared… no, two boys. Every mage was alert and were ready to encounter any attack.
One was limping, clinging to the other. Their skin paled, dust on their clothes as they walked out. Then Hawoon saw him. His breath caught. "Hajun…"
He ran before anyone could stop him. "Halt—it's my son!" His voice cut sharp, commanding enough to halt the guardsmid-step.
He froze only for a heartbeat before he broke into a run, shoving past officers, dropping to his knees and crushing his son in his arms. His hands trembled as if afraid the boy might vanish.
"I thought I lost you," he whispered into his son's hair, voice raw.
"Dad…" His voice cracked, breaking apart. "Dad, I—ick—I was so scared. I thought—" His words dissolved into tears.
Hawoon closed his eyes, relaxing himself. He needs to calm himself down so he could comfort his son. Just relax… good.
Hawoon smoothed his hair, tucking white strands behind his ear. He pressed a kiss to his forehead, holding him tightly in his embrace.
"Hajun. My son. Thank God, you're safe." Hawoon's lips trembled, the thought of losing his only family got him scared. "It's alright. No one will touch you. I'm here now."
But his gaze shifted to the boy beside Hajun. The boy was thin and exhausted, head bowed, silver glinting the edges of his hair. Mana was still clinging to him.
"Who…" Hawoon started, staring at the boy. Who is this kid? Is he the one behind this rampage?
Hajun clung tightly on his father. "He saved me." Hajun whispered, looking up to his father. His lips were pulled in a pout. Hawoon raised his brows, eyes narrowed.
"He… saved you." Hawoon repeated his words. Hajun nodded and raised his hand to gently clutched Suho's shirt.
"If not for him… I would have already-" Hajun hiccupped as he released Suho's shirt from his hands and wrapped around himself. Hawoon stared at his son, eyes frozen in dread.
"What- what happened? Why are you…" Hawoon clutched his arms, fingers digging in. "…why are you like this? W-what's wrong?" His voice cracked, breaking in a near-shout.
His breath came too fast, chest heaving. His eyes darting, wide. Trembling lips, he stammered, moving closer than usual. "Hajun… why-"
"…"
Hawoon finally noticed it. His shoulder slumped, frantic breathing. The marks on his neck. He raised his hands to touch Hajun's neck. Hajun was sobbing. "H-he saved me."
"You…" Hawoon started, but before he could finish, Suho's legs gave out. His knees buckled. He collapsed, limp, and Hawoon caught him just in time.
"Hey- this boy-"
Hawoon's eyes darted between them, then down to Suho. His eyes dazed, lashes trembled. His lips moved faintly.
"What- what are you saying? I can't hear you."
"P…please…" The boy's voice was fragile, cracking with fear. "Don't let them know me…"
"Who shouldn't know?" Hawoon pressed urgently.
"They'll take me… kill me…" His breathing hitched, uneven.
"Who? Tell me! Who will kill you?"
"…r—royal…"
Hawoon's blood turned cold. "Royal? Royal what?"
"…family…"
The word struck like a blade to the gut. Hawoon froze, jaw clenching. Royal family.
"W-what…"
"T-they will kill me… l-like…Mom." The boy lost his consciousness in Hawoon's arms.